Speaking on the phone
These model dialogs give your examples of thee language you will hear or want to use on the phone.
Model Dialog: Starting a telephone conversation (1)
Caller: Hello. Is this Dr Dean’s office?
Receiver: Yes. Who is this, please?
Caller: This is Ted speaking. I would like to speak to Dr Dean, please.
Receiver: speaking.
Model Dialog: Starting a telephone conversation (2)
You: can I speak to …(name), please? Or Is … (name) there, please?
Receptionist: May I ask who is calling? Or Could I have your name, please?
You: Yes, this is Paddy Ivory speaking.
Many western people don’t identify themselves when they make or receive a phone call. Even at home. They normally pick up the phone and say “Hello”. But they won’t be offended if you ask for their name.
Model Dialog: Unavailable person
Receiver: Good Morning, J.C. Motor Co.
Caller: Hello. May I speak with Mr. Curts?
Receiver: sorry, But he’s just stepped out of the office. Could someone else help
you?
Caller: No, I’m afraid not. I’ll call again.
Social talk on the phone
If you know the person, or have spoken before, it’s normal to chat for a few seconds before saying why you are calling.
You: Hello, this is ….speaking. Or Hello, this is…
You might also want to add your company name: This is ….(name) from…
The other person: Hello, how are you?
You: Fine, thanks. And you?
The other person: Very will, thanks. Or A bit busy.
You: Oh good, Or All right. Or Glad to hear that.
If someone asks you how you are, respond (positively) and return the question. This social talk can, of course, be extended. You could ask about a project you know the person is working on, or a mutual friend, or the person’s family.
You: Hello, this is ……How are you?
The other person: Fine, yourself?
You: Fine, thanks. How’s the project going?
The other person: Well, we’re pretty busy, as you can imagine.
You: Yes, I can! Anyway, I’m calling about….
To introduce the subject of your call, you can use words such as ‘anyway’, ‘well’, ‘right’
**Remember If you have not spoken to the person before, or do not know them, then social talk is inappropriate-get straight to the reason for your call.
Model Dialog: Wrong number (1)
Ann: Hello. Is Kate there?
Bent: sorry, there is no Kate here. I’m afraid you’re got the wrong number.
Ann: Isn’t this 297-0917
Bent: No, this is 297-0927
Model Dialog: Wrong number (2)
Ms White: Hello. May I speak to Mr. Harper, please?
Mr. Black: I’m sorry. There’s no one by that name in this office.
You must have the wrong number.
Ms White: Oh, I’m sorry to bother you.
Model Dialog: Making invitation (1)
Jack: Jill, would you like to have some drinks at the Barney’s tonight?
Jill: That sounds good. I’d love to.
Jack: Good, I’ll pick you up at 6 a.m., OK?
Jill: That’s very kind of you.
Jack: See you then. Goodbye.
Jill: See you. Bye.
Model Dialog: Making Invitation on the phone (1)
Kate: Hello.
Diana: Hello. Could I speak to Kate Watson, Please?
Kate: Speaking
Diana: Oh! Hi Kate. This is Diana Chapman. Do you remember from Biron Swanson’s party?
Kate: Oh! Of course. How are you?
Diana: Just fine, thanks. Uh, Kate, I was just wondering if you’d like to go to a Bach concert this Monday.
Kate: Oh! I’d love to, Diana, really, but I’m afraid I can’t. I have to work.
Diana: Oh! That’s too bad. Well could we make it some other time then?
Kate: Sure.
Diana: Well, are you free on Saturday night? They are doing the same program.
Kate: That would be fine. What time does the concert start?
Diana: At eight sharp. I think we could have dinner first.
Model dialog: Accepting invitation
James: Shall we have lunch together tomorrow?
Joy: That’s good idea. I would love to. Just tell me the place.
James: Let’s meet at the Marcy’s all right?
Joy: That’s a nice place. I’ll see you there.
James: Marvelous. Oh, I’ve get to go now. I have a meeting in a minute.
Joy: See you. Bye.
James: Bye.
Model Dialog: Declining invitation
Mr. White: Well, I’d like to invite you to dinner at the Cameron’s night.
Mr. Black: Thank you very much for inviting me, Mr. White. But I’m afraid I can’t. I have an appointment with Mr. Young. It’s an urgent matter.
Mr. White: All right. Perhaps next time.